Manitoba’s online donor registry adds record 4,500 new registrations

The selfless action of a young Humboldt Bronco hockey player and his family has touched the hearts and minds of Canadians, and Manitobans have responded in a big way to the decision to give the gift of life.

“Since the tragic story broke, Manitobans have been signing up online to donate their organs and tissues to others in need,” said Kelvin Goertzen, Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living. “In just one week, more than 4,500 people have signed up. Now we hope we can keep that generosity going and have 30,000 Manitobans registered by April 30.”

After the family of Logan Boulet publically shared their decision to honour their son’s wishes by agreeing to donate his organs, 4,587 Manitobans registered to be organ and tissue donors using www.signupforlife.ca. As of today, the registry has more than 27,500 registrations. Since its launch in 2012, the online registry has never experienced traffic like this over such a short period of time.

“Canadians and people from all around the world have been affected by this immense loss of life,” said Dr. Faisal Siddiqui, physician with Transplant Manitoba – Gift of Life. “The ability to say yes to organ donation in the midst of a devastating and life-changing event and offer hope to another in need is truly extraordinary.”

To maintain the incredible momentum sparked by this tragedy and in honour of NOTDAW, National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week (April 22 – 28), a goal has been set to reach 30,000 registrations by April 30.

“Organ and tissue donation offers hope to those waiting for a life-changing transplant,” said Reg Helwer, MLA for Brandon West and chair of Manitoba’s Organ and Tissue Donation Task Force. “Knowing your final wishes helps your family make the right decision if and when the time ever comes, so sign up and talk to your loved ones. Logan Boulet’s decision to donate his organs is helping Canadians to make something positive out of this tragedy. Please, sign up for life.”